Category Archives: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB)

It was not very long ago when thousands of peoples would die of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases helplessly without proper treatment.The scenario changed dramatically when International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) was established in Dhaka.The research, motivation and dissemination activities of this international health research organization has now become the Symbol of Hope for the peoples of the whole world who are vulnerable to diarrhoeal diseases.
This international health research institution is located at Mahakhali area of Dhaka. The centre provides treatment to thousands of patients around the year.The centre organizes special camps for intervention when outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases take place. The patients and their well wishers have great trust upon the quality of service of this organization.
In collaboration with academic and research institutions throughout the world, ICDDR,B conducts research, training and extension activities, as well as programme-based activities, to develop and share knowledge for global lifesaving solutions.
ICDDR,B has a mix of national and international staff, including public health scientists, laboratory scientists, clinicians, nutritionists, epidemiologists, demographers, social and behavioural scientists, IT professionals, and experts in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and vaccine sciences. The Centre has a cross-cultural environment. This Centre provides ideal working condition for genders where women feel secure .
Since 1978, the Centre has shared its knowledge with the world, training more than 27,000 health professionals from over 78 countries. Courses provide practical training in topics such as hospital management of diarrhoeal diseases, epidemiology, biostatistics, family planning, demographic surveillance and child survival strategies. At present three training programmes are being organized regularly by this centre.The programmes are:
1.Introductory Course on Epidemiology and Biostatistics;
2.Introductory Course on Qualitative Research Methodology;and
3.Biosafety and Biosecurity Training Programme

ICDDR,B regulary organizes an annual event called Annual Scientific Conference (ASCON) each year.The 13th ASCON was held during 14-17 March 2011 at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel,Dhaka with the theme “Science to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage”.Over the course of three days, the conference provided an opportunity for the 800 scientists, health professionals, programme managers, community organisers and policy-makers who have registered to meet and discuss this important issue. To share their countries’ experiences with universal health coverage, speakers have come from countries as far as South Africa, South America, Europe, as well as South and South East Asia.You
may learn about this important event from the following link:http://www.icddrb.org/media-centre/news/2232-icddrbs-13th-annual-scientific-conference-ascon-xiii-starts-in-full-swing
ICDDR,B’s activities are supported by about 55 donor countries and organizations, including the Government of Bangladesh, UN specialized agencies, foundations, universities, research institutes and private sector organizations and companies that share the Centre’s concern for the health problems of developing countries and value its proven experience in helping solve those problems. The Centre is governed by a distinguished multinational Board of Trustees comprising 17 members from around the globe.
The simple and cheap treatment procedures developed by ICDDR,B has been considered as a blessing for the poor peoples of the developing countries where diarrhoeal diseases pose great threats.The services of ICDDRB has become a Symbol of Hope for the poor peoples of the world.
There are numerous activities undertaken by ICDDR,B.You can learn some of them from this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5OLddc9zjs

Introduction
The scientific arena today is largely evidence based and relies heavily on numbers or quantities. An inquisitive mind always needs skills to organise quantitative measurements in meaningful ways and place those against the context for better understanding. Connecting and weighing the understanding through a recognized paradigm consequently lead to generation of new knowledge or strengthening the already known ones with evidences. The course on epidemiology and biostatistics aims at equipping a new researcher with the basic skill of dealing with the quantitative measurements that would lead to those evidences.

Course Description
The main objective of the course is to provide participants with an understanding of basic concepts of epidemiology and skills in quantitative techniques to plan design and undertake basic epidemiological studies on specific health problems. It is also expected that after completion of the course participants would understand scientific articles better.

In addition to theoretical, case studies and practical exercises, the participants are given hands on training on the use of PC to transform data into information through basic analysis using software such as Epi info and SPSS. The participants are also required to develop and present research proposals in groups.

Duration
Four weeks. Sessions are normally conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all week days (Sunday through Thursday). But at times it may continue beyond this. A substantial amount of reading and preparatory work will be necessary during evenings and on week-ends.

Faculty members
The course is largely taught by the faculty from ICDDR, B.

Teaching methods
The course includes lectures, discussions, case studies, exercises and computer sessions. In addition, participants develop and present research proposals as a group exercise. There will be a test before and after the course, intended primarily as a tool for participants to assess their own progress.

Training materials
Comprehensive hand-outs are given to the participants as well as a CD that contains Epi-Info 3.5.

Target group
Medical graduates or Master’s in biological/health sciences or social sciences are eligible for the course. No previous formal training in epidemiology or statistics is required.

Number of participants
It is intended to accept a maximum of 18 participants.

Course fee
The course fee for the locals is Tk. 10000 (Taka Ten Thousand) for the individual and Tk.15000 (Taka Fifteen Thousand) for the institutional Participants and for international participants the course fee will be US $ 500 to cover the cost of training materials, faculty time, morning and afternoon tea/coffee, and certificate of participation. However, travel costs, medical insurance, other meals and accommodation are not included in the course fee. The course fee is payable on notification of acceptance preferably by wire transfer or bank draft in favour of icddr,b (bank details will be provided with acceptance letter). Admission will be confirmed only when the fee is received.

Selection of participants
In general, participants will be selected based on their pre-requisite qualifications and first come first serve basis, however, institutional and female participant will get preference. Only selected participants will be notified by email or over telephone.

How to apply
Please fill in the downloadable application form and send it to Dr. Md. Manirul Islam at [email protected] on or before the day 3 weeks prior to the course starts. Applications should accompany a CV and employed persons should apply through their employer.